Lack of sleep is a widespread issue, often leading to a bad mood the following day and leaving you feeling somewhat awkward.

The NHS recommends that adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and alert. Persistent sleep deprivation can result in severe health issues such as high blood pressure, depression, and obesity. Even just one or two nights of poor sleep can significantly impact your mood and performance.

What occurs in your brain while you sleep? And why do just a few hours less than your usual sleep amount have such a detrimental effect?

Is your brain “awake” while you sleep?

While you sleep, your brain conducts several crucial processes to help reset your body’s organs and systems.

It eliminates toxins and metabolic waste through the glymphatic system and organizes long-term memories in the neocortex.

Neural connections are reinforced, and activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex aids in regulating emotional responses for the following day. REM sleep is vital for problem-solving and emotional processing, while hormonal regulation during sleep promotes stress recovery and appetite balance.

Consequences of sleep deprivation

In our fast-paced world, achieving sufficient sleep can be challenging. With constant demands on our time, even short-term fatigue can set the stage for a tough day, making it important to understand the significance of sleep.

Common symptoms of sleep deprivation include:

• Impaired cognition and reduced concentration
• Decreased emotional resilience
• Weakened immune response
• Impaired exercise adaptation
• Increased appetite due to hormonal imbalances
• Elevated cortisol levels
• Disruption of insulin sensitivity

While it’s advisable for adults to target 7-9 hours of sleep each night, how can you ensure you get enough rest to stay alert and healthy?

Tips for Improved Sleep Quality

Silentnight has dedicated 80 years to exploring the science of quality sleep. In partnership with Central Lancashire University, the sleep brand gathers sleep biomechanics data to develop a variety of sleeper-type products.

We reached out to Silentnight for suggestions on fostering healthy sleep habits.

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your body’s circadian rhythm, particularly the sleep/wake cycle. It signals that it’s time for sleep, prompting a drop in body temperature and reduced alertness. Consistency is key in maintaining melatonin levels, so keep your schedule regular.

Establish a Relaxing Pre-Sleep Ritual

Cortisol levels naturally decrease at night, which is essential for sleep since high levels can disrupt melatonin production. Engage in calming activities—baths, reading, or listening to soothing music—but avoid blue light from screens as it can hinder melatonin release.

Keep your Sleep Environment Cool

The ideal room temperature for sleep is typically between 15.5°C and 21°C. Even slightly exceeding this range can negatively affect the quality and duration of your sleep.

Choose the Right Mattress

Silentnight states, “Pressure points and overheating can disrupt sleep.” They offer a range of mattresses with varying spring systems and materials to accommodate different sleeping styles.

Discover more about Silentnight products and find a mattress tailored to your sleeping needs here.

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